Fairfield Union principal Matt McPhail to retire; Travis Schaefer approved as next high school principal

The Fairfield Union Local Board of Education accepted the retirement of Matt McPhail and approved a three‑year administrative contract for assistant principal Travis Schaefer to become principal of Fairfield Union High School beginning Aug. 1, 2025.

The board voted unanimously on the retirement and on Schaefer’s contract during its regular meeting. Superintendent Belville and several board members praised McPhail’s 20‑year career with the district and credited him with raising academic expectations and school culture during his eight years as high school principal.

“This one’s a little, this one’s hard. Matt has done an incredible job,” Superintendent Belville said during the meeting. McPhail, in turn, reflected on his career: “I feel like I’ve had a blessed career,” he said, thanking colleagues and community members.

The board also accepted Schaefer’s resignation as head boys basketball coach effective immediately, pending the personnel action to move him into the principal role. Schaefer told the board he is “thankful that I got to be a part of it,” and said he looks forward to serving in the new role.

Board members described the leadership transition as bittersweet but expressed confidence in Schaefer’s selection, citing his record as a teacher, coach and assistant administrator. The motions for McPhail’s retirement and for Schaefer’s contract passed by unanimous roll call votes.

The board did not set a public timeline in the meeting for selecting a replacement head basketball coach; Schaefer’s move into the principal role was contingent on the approved contract. Public comment was not part of the items surrounding the personnel votes.

McPhail’s retirement date was recorded as July 31, 2025; Schaefer’s principal contract is effective Aug. 1, 2025.

Board Treasurer Mrs. Roberts conducted roll calls for the votes and recorded unanimous approval for both motions.